Know Your Chimney Liner: Stainless Steel versus Ceramic Tile

The chimney liner plays a crucial role in the function of your chimney. Most people, however, aren’t aware of this vital component. Below is a quick tutorial:

Have you ever wondered how the soot and other dangerous materials produced by your fireplace exit your chimney? The chimney liner helps to push those chemicals out. At the same time, it acts as a barrier between the combustible materials and the chimney walls. Because of the extreme temperatures and acidity of those materials, the liner ensures that your chimney doesn’t corrode and suffer extensive damage. In addition, your chimney liner enables your fireplace, wood stove, or furnace to pull in the air necessary for adequate combustion and to maintain the draft required.

The two most common types of chimney liners are stainless steel and ceramic. Stainless steel chimney liners are often found in newer home construction, which feature zero-clearance fireplaces. A zero-clearance fireplace is wood framed and has a stainless steel flue running through the center of the chimney. Ceramic tile chimney liners are cheaper than stainless steel and easier to install. But they lack the expansion rate of a stainless steel liner. Dramatic changes in temperature can cause ceramic tile chimney liners to crack, which would allow dangerous materials to enter the house.

Do you know what kind of chimney liner you have in the chimney in your home? The age of your home could be a good indicator.

Call us today! We would be delighted to speak with you about the importance of maintaining your chimney liner.